Anybody know a good and cheap body guy in VA? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Big Chief · 02-16-2008, 10:32 PM

Making alot of progress on the Jimmy but it needs new rockers. Any body know a good body guy/welder that is cheap in VA? I know good and cheap don't usually go together so the Emphasis is on cheap, as I am way over budget at this point.

va_tlc · 02-16-2008, 11:28 PM

yup as you stated good and cheap just dont go toghter in there busniess,you may go to a welding shop and ask around if someone on the side may put em in, but then again it may cause more trouble for your bodyman when it comes time to paint,good luck

DANTES JIMMY · 02-18-2008, 10:48 AM

For Rockers I Would Go For Good Before I Went For Cheap

Just My Opinion Not My Pocket Book Though
So Much Alignment Can Factor In And Shoddy Work Will Come Back To Haunt You
You Know That To Be True

72freak · 02-18-2008, 09:06 PM

I called my painting contact in Colonial Heights but they are not taking work at this time.

vtblazer · 02-18-2008, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by va_tlc

yup as you stated good and cheap just dont go toghter in there busniess,you may go to a welding shop and ask around if someone on the side may put em in, but then again it may cause more trouble for your bodyman when it comes time to paint,good luck

Being rockers are a very important aspect of our blazers going cheap here will only come back to haunt you later on.

Sorry to load it on more but be prepared for more rot to be found when the rockers are removed.

I say forget cheap and find a guy who's worked on blazers, knows what he's doing and therefore will get it done right the first time, which will net you the best overall cost in the end.

**jaros44sr** · 02-18-2008, 11:24 PM

w/VT Blazer, can I nominate him? Check out his portfolio when ya get a minute...J.

va_tlc · 02-19-2008, 08:44 AM

lol jaros, he is a metal wizard huh

**jaros44sr** · 02-19-2008, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by va_tlc

lol jaros, he is a metal wizard huh

He even does pickup and delivery, if his diesel truck is working

va_tlc · 02-20-2008, 01:03 AM

heheh are you sittin vt up with some windshield time, then some behind the helmet welding time...

**jaros44sr** · 02-20-2008, 04:51 AM

I don't think a rocker job would get him out of Vermont. Just giving props where they are due, maybe just information to those that seek it

vtblazer · 02-20-2008, 07:33 PM

Being he hasn't replied back, I'm guessing we didn't give him the info he was hoping for.

Sorry Chief, only trying to help.

Big Chief · 02-21-2008, 01:47 AM

Thanks for the replies. OK I can't believe I am not being flooded with guys wanting to make it a show rig for under $100

I think you guys are right, I will bite the bullet and get it done right. How about any suggestions on good body guys. I think Vermont might be a little far though.

It's not pretty yet but I have been having a blast driving it around.

**jaros44sr** · 02-21-2008, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Chief

Thanks for the replies. OK I can't believe I am not being flooded with guys wanting to make it a show rig for under $100

I think you guys are right, I will bite the bullet and get it done right. How about any suggestions on good body guys. I think Vermont might be a little far though.

It's not pretty yet but I have been having a blast driving it around.

What kinda tools do ya have, parts mite run 30.00

Big Chief · 02-21-2008, 03:22 AM

My issue is I can't weld. I already bought inner and outer rockers and the bottoms to the back fenders. I already replaced the doors myself and the rest of the body is in very good shape. Some day I am going to invest in a welding class to learn how.

**jaros44sr** · 02-21-2008, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Chief

My issue is I can't weld. I already bought inner and outer rockers and the bottoms to the back fenders. I already replaced the doors myself and the rest of the body is in very good shape. Some day I am going to invest in a welding class to learn how.

That's just it! This can be done with a plug weld, drill a hole put a zip screw in it, make sure of alignment, fill the hole in with weld. It's not that hard, and you have all of us to help you. You can save the money from the body shop guy to buy the welder...300.00, 400.00 will buy some thing decent

pound41 · 02-21-2008, 03:51 AM

Big chief
You need to come up 95 while mine is torn all apart and see exactly whats involved. You could do as jaros said. Or if you ask around you could find a good welder who would come and weld it in place for you. The money is not in the welding in. its in the time fitting it together so it can be welded. I had a friend who did a chopped merc. He did the fitting and had a good welder come over and put it together

**jaros44sr** · 02-21-2008, 06:03 AM

There ya go Chief, I forgot about that option. Good thinking lb.41

va_tlc · 02-21-2008, 06:19 AM

yup thats great advise right there, and like j said theres alot of talent at your fingertips, hopefully you have a digi camera you can post pics when you come to a tight spot and need some answers,, good luck

Big Chief · 02-21-2008, 10:44 PM

Alright you guys are inspiring me...lb41 I may have to road trip it to check out your rig. I might go ahead and it least remove the old quarters and line it up and then have someone weld it in. What do you cut it of with...saw saw/reciprocating saw? or I have a nice little air compressor cutting wheel that makes nice cuts? Or do you just drill out all the old spot welds or both. What size drill bit to get at the spot welds?

Thanks for the help!

02-16-2008, 10:32 PM	#1
Big Chief Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Richmond VA Posts: 59	Anybody know a good and cheap body guy in VA? Making alot of progress on the Jimmy but it needs new rockers. Any body know a good body guy/welder that is cheap in VA? I know good and cheap don't usually go together so the Emphasis is on cheap, as I am way over budget at this point.

02-16-2008, 11:28 PM	#2
va_tlc Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: VIRGINIA Posts: 905	Re: Anybody know a good and cheap body guy in VA? yup as you stated good and cheap just dont go toghter in there busniess,you may go to a welding shop and ask around if someone on the side may put em in, but then again it may cause more trouble for your bodyman when it comes time to paint,good luck __________________ 1969 rs 1966fastback 1969swbc/10 2006gt 1972swb4x4

02-18-2008, 10:48 AM	#3
DANTES JIMMY Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: PENDLETON,INDIANA Posts: 271	Re: Anybody know a good and cheap body guy in VA? For Rockers I Would Go For Good Before I Went For Cheap Just My Opinion Not My Pocket Book Though So Much Alignment Can Factor In And Shoddy Work Will Come Back To Haunt You You Know That To Be True

02-18-2008, 09:06 PM	#4
72freak Rottenwood Garage Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,321	Re: Anybody know a good and cheap body guy in VA? I called my painting contact in Colonial Heights but they are not taking work at this time. __________________ 2004 Chevrolet Suburban C1500 2001 Chevrolet 2500HD Crew 6.0 1999 Harley Davidson Electra Glide 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Custom Camper "Dump Truck" 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Suburban "Big Green" 1969 Chevrolet C-50 Wedge Hauler "Leonidis" 1966 C-10 2x4 short fleet 327 4 speed "Race Truck" 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook "Rican" (my grandfathers) 1931 Ford Model A Coupe "Black Beauty" 1930 Ford Model A truck "Club Cab" 4x4 Rottenwood Garage and Speed Shop.....where everything must be racy! *It's not just a hobby..It's a LIFESTYLE!!!* Thanks for nothing Barrett-Jackson You cant fix stupid or teach accountability! Time wasters, looky Lous and tire kickers are everywhere!

02-18-2008, 11:24 PM	#6
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,762	Re: Anybody know a good and cheap body guy in VA? w/VT Blazer, can I nominate him? Check out his portfolio when ya get a minute...J. __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

02-19-2008, 08:44 AM	#7
va_tlc Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: VIRGINIA Posts: 905	Re: Anybody know a good and cheap body guy in VA? lol jaros, he is a metal wizard huh __________________ 1969 rs 1966fastback 1969swbc/10 2006gt 1972swb4x4

02-20-2008, 01:03 AM	#9
va_tlc Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: VIRGINIA Posts: 905	Re: Anybody know a good and cheap body guy in VA? heheh are you sittin vt up with some windshield time, then some behind the helmet welding time... __________________ 1969 rs 1966fastback 1969swbc/10 2006gt 1972swb4x4

02-20-2008, 04:51 AM	#10
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,762	Re: Anybody know a good and cheap body guy in VA? I don't think a rocker job would get him out of Vermont. Just giving props where they are due, maybe just information to those that seek it __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

02-20-2008, 07:33 PM	#11
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,537	Re: Anybody know a good and cheap body guy in VA? Being he hasn't replied back, I'm guessing we didn't give him the info he was hoping for. Sorry Chief, only trying to help.

02-21-2008, 01:47 AM	#12
Big Chief Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Richmond VA Posts: 59	Re: Anybody know a good and cheap body guy in VA? Thanks for the replies. OK I can't believe I am not being flooded with guys wanting to make it a show rig for under $100 I think you guys are right, I will bite the bullet and get it done right. How about any suggestions on good body guys. I think Vermont might be a little far though. It's not pretty yet but I have been having a blast driving it around.

02-21-2008, 03:22 AM	#14
Big Chief Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Richmond VA Posts: 59	Re: Anybody know a good and cheap body guy in VA? My issue is I can't weld. I already bought inner and outer rockers and the bottoms to the back fenders. I already replaced the doors myself and the rest of the body is in very good shape. Some day I am going to invest in a welding class to learn how.

02-21-2008, 03:51 AM	#16
pound41 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 1,268	Re: Anybody know a good and cheap body guy in VA? Big chief You need to come up 95 while mine is torn all apart and see exactly whats involved. You could do as jaros said. Or if you ask around you could find a good welder who would come and weld it in place for you. The money is not in the welding in. its in the time fitting it together so it can be welded. I had a friend who did a chopped merc. He did the fitting and had a good welder come over and put it together

02-21-2008, 06:03 AM	#17
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,762	Re: Anybody know a good and cheap body guy in VA? There ya go Chief, I forgot about that option. Good thinking lb.41 __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim Last edited by jaros44sr; 02-21-2008 at 06:04 AM.

02-21-2008, 06:19 AM	#18
va_tlc Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: VIRGINIA Posts: 905	Re: Anybody know a good and cheap body guy in VA? yup thats great advise right there, and like j said theres alot of talent at your fingertips, hopefully you have a digi camera you can post pics when you come to a tight spot and need some answers,, good luck __________________ 1969 rs 1966fastback 1969swbc/10 2006gt 1972swb4x4

02-21-2008, 10:44 PM	#19
Big Chief Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Richmond VA Posts: 59	Re: Anybody know a good and cheap body guy in VA? Alright you guys are inspiring me...lb41 I may have to road trip it to check out your rig. I might go ahead and it least remove the old quarters and line it up and then have someone weld it in. What do you cut it of with...saw saw/reciprocating saw? or I have a nice little air compressor cutting wheel that makes nice cuts? Or do you just drill out all the old spot welds or both. What size drill bit to get at the spot welds? Thanks for the help!



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